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2241 Russell St.Berkeley, CA 94705

www.leconteonline.org

(510)644-6290

April 24, 2009

Cheryl Wilson Principal

Sarah Kayler PTA President

Important dates

TheLamppost

SAVE THIS DATE: SUNDAY, MAY 17!!!

LeCONTES SPRING AUCTION

We have the power, the will, and the numbers to make a difference, lets

do it on May 17th!

Guess what Im donating for the auction...two separate movie/playdates with Principal Wilson. Each date includes a trip to a bookstore, ofcourse. Also, Im donating at least two DVDs, one featuring kindergartenstudents and the other first grade, and more of whatever else I can think of,considering that I have numerous photos. So, please join my efforts bythinking of what you too can donate for the Spring Auction. The committee

would like to have the completed forms returned by next Friday, May 1. Aform is attached to this Lamppost for your convenience. Please return allforms to Donna Chan Chu, our school secretary, and if you have anyquestions, feel free to call or email Anna Goldstein at (510) 524-2574,goldstein.anna@gmail.com, or Sarah Livill, (510)206-7018,linvillarch@earthlink.net.

Onwardon Monday, April 27, our students in grades secondthrough fifth will be doing their best to answer a variety of reading,grammar, and mathematics questions included on the California StandardsTest (CST). Students will be tested from about 8:30AM to 11:00AM, fromMonday through Friday, May 1. Therefore, it is extremely important thatyou support your childs ability to perform well by making sure your childgets at least 8 hours of sleep and comes to school on time with a sense ofconfidence that s/he can complete these exams. We will continue withbreakfast as usual so that our students have enough brain food to endure.Please note that this is a high stakes test and while our teachers have beenworking hard to prepare our students, I am asking you to remind your childto read the instructions and answer all questions. Also, please tell your childthat s/he has nothing to fear; this test is not used to retain or keep studentsfrom going to the next grade. I do not want our students to feel anxious orbe worried about the end results while taking the tests.

Finally, thank you to those families who responded to the requestfor payment for the Mosaic field trip. I am still waiting to hear from about

13 families so please respond ASAP. Our fourth graders will be going to theSierra Outdoor School on May 6 to learn about California history, OhloneIndians, the Gold Rush, and nature in a historic mountain setting. We havemade reservations for at least 36 participants and we need fourth gradefamilies to return the permission slips today so that your child can attend

too. --Cheryl

NOTICES: In this issue: Spring Auction Donation form, Principals letter toour Children, Safe Routes and Medical information flyers, photos

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MON., APRIL 27- MAY 1California Standards TestsGrades 2 5

TUES., APRIL 28School Governance Council Meeting,6:15PM, Library

THURS., APRIL 30Day of the Child CelebrationSponsored by our ELAC committee

THURS., APRIL 30Coalition of Families for African AmericanStudents meeting, 6:00PM, Library

MON. FRI., MAY 4-8LeConte Teacher Appreciation Week(more info to come about how to celebrate

our wonderful school staff)

WED. FRI., MAY 6-8Fourth Grade Overnight Field Trip toSierra Outdoor School

FRI., MAY 8Music Performance by district-wideparticipants in UC Berkeley MusicProgram, 4:00PM, LeConte Auditorium

TUES., MAY 12Safe Routes to School AssemblyK, 1, 2 -12:10PM3, 4, 5 12:50PM

THURS., MAY 14LeConte School Open House6:00PM

SUN., MAY 17LeConte Spring Auction, 5:00 9:30PM,Pizzaiolo

MON., MAY 18 SCHOOL CLOSEDMalcolm Xs Birthday

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SCHOOL CLOSED Holidays on Mon., May 18 and Mon., May 25Thank Yous:

Through the leadership of Denise Montgomery, we have distributed and completed our Parent Survey asscheduled and have also received responses from nearly 50% of our schools families. Thanks so much,

Denise, for formulating the survey and tabulating the results. In addition, Denise designed a survey forLeContes staff members to complete and those results are ready to be tabulated. Families will have at leasttwo different occasions to review and discuss the results; you will be notified of the dates within the next twoweeks. The surveys provide constructive feedback about where were doing well and where we need toimprove and help inform next steps for our annual school plan. Thanks to all of the families who took time togive us feedback. Your suggestions for improvement are also welcomed.

The week of May 4 is Teacher Appreciation week. The PTA will be organizing a different activity eachday for LeConte families to recognize our staff. Principal Wilson is appreciative of the many teachers whocome to work every day prepared and ready as they strive to meet the needs of every child; engage studentsin hands-on activities that are stimulating and fun; recognize and build on students strengths; create lessons

and purchase materials that promote academic growth; challenge their students to take risks; commit to beingcontinuous learners as a model for their students; and to provide an organized and well-managedenvironment conducive to learning. Please take advantage of this occasion to acknowledge your childsteacher.

Thank you also to LeConte parent Joe Lamb, who donated his time, equipment, and professional crew totrim and tend to all the schools trees over Spring Break. He is also providing Farmer Ben with free mulchfor yard work done by volunteers. And thank you to Margi Clarke for her incredible efforts to supportPrincipal Wilson and to organize our work to address LeContes pressing needs at the district level.

New Science Prep Teacher

It has taken a long time but we finally have a certificated teacher teaching science to our fourth and fifthgrade students during the regular teachers prep time (time allocated to prepare, collaborate and plan). Wewelcome Ms. Raven Gary-Daniels to LeConte. The fourth and fifth grade teachers have complimented theskills and enthusiasm she has brought to the job. Our fourth and fifth graders have been engaged in thescientific process of exploration, investigation, proposing hypotheses, etc. Ravens background as a pre-school teacher, administrative assistant, and nanny have prepared her well to work with our students in a waythat is democratic but also takes authority, so that all students can learn. Raven is not only using the FOSSscience curriculum but also having the students use our garden areas to explore habitats. The fourth gradersare beginning an environment unit and the fifth graders are beginning a planetary/water unit.

Mandatory Mathematics Professional Development, SB472

The State requires all teachers to attend a five-day training to increase their ability to understand andimplement new State-adopted textbooks/curriculum. Since our district adopted Everyday Math this year, ourteachers must attend the training sessions that are now being offered from April through May and inSeptember. Kindergarten/first grade teachers attended April-May 1, second/third grade teachers attend May26, June 1, and the remaining three days will take place in September, and fourth/fifth grade teachers willattend five days in May. The classes will have guest teachers, so please tell your child to be respectful duringher/his teachers absence. We apologize for the inconvenience and disruption of instruction. You are always

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LeConte Calendar

welcome to volunteer to assist in the class during the teachers absence. Please contact your childs teacherin advance to ask how you may help.

School Budget Shortfall for Next Year - Please Support LeConte Fundraising

As you probably know, the economic recession and ongoing state budget crisis mean less money for ourschools. At LeConte, several of our core programs are at risk of losing funds for next year. Besides teacherand staff salaries and basic infrastructure, each school has limited discretionary funds to cover programs

such as outside contractors, tutoring, assemblies and field trips.

Several of our current programs are at risk for significant cuts next year. Principal Wilson and the SchoolGovernance Council (SGC) are closely monitoring the Federal, State and District budgets and will adjust theLeConte school budget as funding becomes clearer. Principal Wilson and the SGC have studied the studenttest results, parent surveys and staff input, and have established the following budget priorities, but the ThirdPriority Programs are currently not funded for next year:

TOP PRIORITY PROGRAMS: ACADEMIC SUPPORT (Literacy coaches, Tutors, Teacherprofessional development, Berkeley Mental Health counselors) These are covered in next year's budget.

2nd PRIORITY: PROGRAM STAFF (Physical Education Specialist, Farm & Garden Americorp staff-person, & Playground Supervisors) - These can also be covered in next year's budget, assuming there are nofurther cuts.

3rd PRIORITY: ENRICHMENT (5th grade MOSAIC Camp, 4th grade Gold Country Sierra OutdoorSchool , Assemblies, Field Trips) We need to find money to fund these.

It is important to note that EVEN WITH the annual $35,000 commitment from the LeConte PTA, there is abudget shortfall of another $35,000 to maintain these core programs. This means, at present, the THIRDPRIORITY PROGRAMS have no funding for the coming 2009-2010 school year. As parents we can makea dent in this shortfall by supporting PTA fundraising, holding creative new events, bringing in outside

donations and seeking grant funds. Please join the upcoming School Governance Council and/or PTAmeetings to give your input to these plans, and to help secure next year's programs at LeConte. Thank youfor all your donations, volunteer time and support during these challenging times!

LeConte PTA Update

At the April 21st PTA meeting, a new slate of PTA officers were elected by unanimous vote. We arepleased to announce the PTA officers for the 2009-10 school year, who will take office this summer: JillWang, president; Alicia Lopez, secretary; Jiyun Lee, treasurer; Basia Lubicz, VP of fundraising; JessicaFiedler, VP of after-school programs; Grant Faulkner, VP of website; Catarina Negrin, room parent andvolunteer coordinator.

We are still seeking a VP of communications to run our school email listserve next year so if you are awriter and/or you appreciate receiving email news about LeConte, this could be the job for you! Pleasecontact Penny Peak, current VP of communications, for more information (849-3202,pennyalp@yahoo.com).

The schools budget situation for next year (as described above) was discussed at the meeting at length. TheSchool Governance Council asked the PTA to commit up to $35, 319 to the SGC for funding discretionaryitems in the 2009-2010 school year, as prioritized by the SGC, based on the principals and teacher input and

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results from the school wide-surveys. The SGC agreed to communicate to the PTA in advance of cancelingany of the third-priority items, for which we will have to seek alternate funding sources.

The meeting also included a fascinating demonstration of the Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) art andcritical-thinking curriculum that our school is implementing this year. Sarah Lenoue, a VTS trainer, is also aparent at our school. The complete notes from this meeting will be posted on our school website soon:leconteonline.org, under PTA, then Minutes.

Superintendent Scheduled to Visit LeConte on Tuesday, May 19, 6:15 pm

BUSD Superintendent Bill Huyett is planning to attend our PTA meeting on Tuesday, May 19. He willmake a short presentation beginning at 6:15PM and there will be a short question and answer period. AllLeConte families are encouraged to attend this meeting.English Language Advisory Committee Meeting, next meeting to be determined (holidays 5/18 & 5/25)

Our ELAC committee members are always seeking more ways to involve not only the members but alsoother LeConte families. One of their most recent efforts includes the annual celebration of El Da de losNios (Day of the Child) on Thursday, April 30. From approximately 9:45 to 11:00, kindergarten and firstgrade students will have an opportunity to make crafts in the auditorium. Grades 3 through 5 will do so in

their classrooms from about 11:15AM to 1:00PM. At 1:00PM there will be a brief whole-school assemblywith songs and a celebration for our children. Adults are welcome to help and celebrate!

School Governance Council, next meeting Tuesday, April 28, 6:15PM

The SGC members have been working overtime to provide advice and guidance towards completion of our2009/2010 School Site Plan. One of the major challenges has been trying to develop goals based on a budgetthat is about $35,000 less than last years amount. Since improvement in English language arts remains animportant goal for our district and our school, the committee is recommending that we continue funding forour 1.5 FTE literacy coaches in addition to mental health and supervision support. Though only the membersof the SGC are able to vote on budget and school plan proposals, the meetings are open to the public. Yoursuggestions and recommendations are welcome as we struggle to meet the needs of our students within the

limitations of our budget.

Holocaust Remembrance Day

Last Tuesday, April 22nd was Holocaust Remembrance Day. As you reflect this upcoming Memorial Dayabout the people you have loved and have now passed away, please never forget the numerous people whohave died senseless deaths based on discrimination, hate, and racism. If one person is affected, we are allaffected. Let us never turn our back, ignore, or tolerate words, acts, or deeds that promote hate.

SPRING AUCTION UPDATE: Buy tix, make donations, come have fun!Please buy your tickets to the auction and make your donations as soon as you can to help with our planning.The deadline for donations is Friday, May 1. We hope that every family will find something to donate a

new item, a piece of art, your expert services, a party for children or adults, or a gift certificate to a favoriterestaurant or business. We currently have over 150 items, worth about $12,000. Thats a strong start, but weneed lots more great items and parties because some items sell at discount prices. Remember, our goal is toraise lots of money for LeConte while enjoying a really terrific party on Sunday, May 17 at Pizzaiolo.

To whet your appetites, here are three mouth-watering donations:- A Weekend on the Water at Sea Ranch - far enough to get away from it all and enjoy the crashing surfbut not so far that you need to use up any vacation days.

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LeConte Calendar

- A $400 Discount on a Membership in CityCarShare - save money and reduce your carbon footprint bybecoming a member of this convenient and practical service.- Brunch or Lunch at La Note - near LeConte on Shattuck Avenue, dining in their charming gardenatmosphere is like a mini-vacation to France.

LeContes First Bowl-a-Rama Bowling Party Sunday, May 3, 10:00AM-12 Noon

Come to a fun bowling fundraiser for LeConte our first annual Bowl-a-Rama on Sunday, May 3 at Albany

Bowl, 540 San Pablo Avenue. Tickets are $10 (cash or checks written to Albany Bowl), which covers twogames of bowling and shoe rental for the ticket holder only. You can purchase tickets from Donna in theschool office or directly from Basia Lubicz. Please arrive at 9:45AM to get your shoes and be ready to bowlstarting at 10:00AM. Questions? Please contact Basia at 601-5014 or basia_lu@yahoo.com.

Kids Matinees Series at Elmwood Cinema: May 9-10, 12 noon ThePrincess Bride

The May Kids Matinee at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood is ThePrincess Bride, the romantic and funny fairy taledirected by Rob Reiner about the beautiful Princess Buttercup, her true love Westley, and the cruel prince .This program benefits the PTAs of Emerson, John Muir, LeConte and Malcolm X Elementary. Tickets are$4. Location: 2966 College Avenue at Ashby, Berkeley. For more information: 510 433-9730,www.rialtocinemas.com. The Cinema has worked hard to choose appropriate films, but please check

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/ for a parents rating guide if you are unsure whether your children willenjoy it.

Koret Museum Days Free Admission on Sunday, May 10 (Mothers Day)

The Koret Foundation is sponsoring free admission at 17 Bay Area museums on Mothers Day, Sunday,May 10. Participating museums include most of the great Bay Area science museums and several museumsof art and culture. For more information, please see: http://www.koretmuseumdays.org/

May 18 - Theater Day Camp for 7-10 Year Olds (BUSD Holiday for Malcolm X's Birthday)

Berkeley Public Schools are closed on Monday, May 18 in celebration of Malcolm X's Birthday. Aren't surewhat to do with your 7 to 10 year olds? One option is Glitter & Razzs Play in a Day Camp, 9:00AM to

5:00PM, cost: $75. Kids will create, practice, and perform their very own peaceful and powerful play in justone day. Drop the kids off at 9am and at 5pm, come back and see the play. Theme of the Day:Love 'Em &Lead 'Em: What does leadership look like? Who are the leaders in our lives? How can we become betterleaders even though we're kids? Glitter & Razz is located at 5951 College Ave., Oakland (betweenClaremont Avenue & Chabot Road). LeConte parent Sarah Lenoue recommends Glitter & Raz, Isaiah justcouldn't wait to get there in the morning. I am so grateful we found them. For more information, pleasesee: http://www.glitterandrazz.com/play-day-camp-malcolm-xs-birthday

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LeCONTE CALENDARAPRIL 19 - MAY MAY 2, 2009

FREE ENGLISH CLASSES - Every Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00PM

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturd

19 20 21 22 23 24 25English Language

Advisory Committee

meeting 5:00PM, Library

PTA Meeting

5:45PMCafeteria

GATE Advisory

Council Meeting

6:00PM, AllstonAnnex

Monthly

School-wide

Assembly

8:30AM

26 27 28 29 30 MAY 1 2

California Standards

Test BEGINS

Grades 2 -5:

Please make sure your

child arrives at 8:10AM

School

Governance

Council

meeting6:15, Library

Day of the Child

celebration

Coalition of

Families for African

American Students

meeting, 6:00PM,Library

Deadline for

Spring

Auction

Donations

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

TEACHER

APPRECIATION

WEEK

Fourth Grade

Students

Gold

Country

Field Trip to

Sierra

Outdoor

School

Depart7:15AM

Fourth Grade

Students eturn4:15PM

UC Berkeley

Sponsored

Music

Performance

4:005:00PMAuditorium

Lamppost senthome

The

Princes

Bride,

ElmwooCinemanoon, $

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

The

Princess

Bride,ElmwoodCinema, 12noon, $4

District English

Language Advisory

Committee meeting

LeConteSchool

Open House,6:00PM

LeConte Science

Fair

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

LeConte

Spring

Auction5:309:00PMPizzaiolo

SCHOOL CLOSED

Malcolm Xs BirthdayPTA Meeting

5:45PM

Cafeteria

Lamppost sent

home

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

SCHOOL CLOSED

Memorial Day

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